ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // In a stanza full of honest and difficult imagery, the wounded head of Christ is our joy on this day, because our Lord goes to the cross that we might be “his own.” Where even Jesus’ own disciples looked at the cross as Christ’s end, we claim a despised and gory Savior as the One we crucified, and by whose crucifixion we belong to God forever.
Stanza 2 // The second stanza appears to add anguish to the first, but here, the purpose of Christ’s suffering and death is clear. Jesus dies for our transgression. Christ bears the pain of the cross we as sinners deserve, that we might hear and know God’s forgiveness, and be given life.
Stanza 3 // When the good news of Christ is given, our response is at first an honest question. “What language can I borrow to thank God?” Finally, there is only one thing the poet [and we] can say: “Make me thine forever.” These words are a prayer, that God will do what He promises - speaking a Word of forgiveness to sinners who betrayed him.
Stanza 4 // The final stanza is a prayer. Here, we enjoy the benefits of the forgiveness Christ promises on this Good Friday. We face death “safely” - becuase we know God’s love! The second stanza spoke of “gain” for sinners in the “pain” of Christ. This final stanza tells us what we gain - faith! Knowing Christ died for our gain brings faith in the promises of God. In death, we receive “new faith” - where our eyes are fixed forever on the crucified One, and cry with the faithful: “My Lord and my God!”
SUGGESTIONS:
